PurposeThe purpose for including a budget and a budget justification with your grant, of course, is to document the level of funding needed to support your project. It may also document cash and in-kind match which your organization or another partner organization will contribute to the project.

ContentTypical sections are:

Personnel (might include director's salary, a portion of the salary of regular employees, student workers, stipends for employees)

FringeBenefits (calculate fringe at the current published rate for the institution)

Travel (might include in-state calculated at the current allowable amount per mile, out-of-state, or out-of-country)

Equipment (allowable equipment that is justified by the requirements of the grant--obtain bids)

Construction and Other are two other possible categories. Construction might include new construction or renovations. Other should include any specialized need of the project not covered in another category.

TipBe realistic and accurate with your funding request. Reviewers can recognize when a budget is padded. They also recognize when an organization tries to make itself appear more competitive by estimating the budget low. The best approach is to calculate accurately the resources required to accomplish your project, then request that amount.

LSU Eunice is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate degrees. Contact the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097, at http://www.sacscoc.org , or call 404-679-4500, for questions about the accreditation of LSU Eunice.

LSU Eunice is an affirmative action/equal opportunity educator and employer.